Boston Celtics rumors: Marc Gasol next on Danny Ainge’s radar?
A day after All-Star free agent Gordon Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics, another big star is rumored as a potential target this summer.
Now that the Boston Celtics have lured Gordon Hayward to Beantown, rumors are starting to swirl that another star could be the next target of Danny Ainge.
According to The Vertical’s Chris Mannix, league executives have hinted that the Celtics might make a run at Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.
Sounds intriguing, but before this rumor gets overhyped and potentially lead to more disappointment, obtaining the 32-year-old Gasol could be costly. As the team already has to create some cap space for Hayward, adding the three-time All-Star center would require even more subtractions from the Boston roster.
If somehow they can find a way to acquire Gasol without giving up too much, the move could enable the Celtics to challenge the Cavaliers this season. Not only would he give them a rim protector and rebounder, Marc Gasol fits the system in his ability to stretch the floor.
Despite his age, the big man averaged 19.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game with the Grizzlies last season. Even if he put up half those numbers with the Celtics, it would be an upgrade in the production they saw from the front court combo of Amir Johnson and Tyler Zeller.
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Why would Memphis entertain a deal for Gasol?
The Grizzlies lost power forward Zach Randolph, who has been a fixture on the team for the last decade. That loss, along with the fact that the team is aging could mean a rebuilding period for Memphis.
With the number of young players and future first-round picks the Boston Celtics have, what better team to deal a player like Gasol to than the green.
Not only would Gasol help the Celtics contend immediately, he wouldn’t jeopardize their future as he would have a player option for 2019-20. The Celtics could go on a couple playoff runs with Gasol and then decide whether to part ways or perhaps work on a cheaper deal to keep him around.
As this rumor may not amount to anything at all, it is an interesting idea for a team in need of a big man. Not many big men fit the way Brad Stevens likes to play like Marc Gasol.
Next: Boston Celtics 2016-17 Report Cards: Amir Johnson
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